Battle of the Badges Blood Drive. July 8 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Cherokee Indian Hospital, Welch Top Conference Room, 1 Hospital Rd., Cherokee, NC. 28719. INFO: SCAN QR CODE

Cherokee Family Safety Program Ride. Aug. 29 register at 9 a.m. ride at 12 noon. Meet at 7923 Big Cove Rd., Cherokee, NC.28719 INFO: Thomas Wolfe (828) 269-8989. All proceeds go to the Family Safety Program in Cherokee, NC.

Wolftown Community Day. July 11 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Wolftown Field & Gym, Wolftown Rd., Cherokee, NC. 28719. Traditional songs and dances, kids fun run, water, fun, axe throwing, stickball games. INFO: Abe Jackson (828) 736-3082

WCU Youth Football Camp. July 11 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Ray Kinsland Stadium in Cherokee, N.C. This is for all Cherokee Youth Football teams. Info: Janell Rattler (828) 736-3231 or Timmy Ray Smith 788-2793

Tim Hill Memorial Fishing Tournament. July 11 and 12. Must purchase a valid fishing permit that covers both days of the tournament. INFO: fishcherokee.com or on Facebook: Fish Cherokee.

Vacation Bible School. July 13 through 16 from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at Straight Fork Baptist Church 11771 Big Cove Rd., Cherokee, NC. 28719. Classes for all ages, everyone is welcome.

Accepting Applications Kituwah Ways. Apply by July 30 by 4 p.m. Apply with Tara McCoy, RKLI P.O. Box 507, Cherokee, NC. 28719 or email tara.mccoy@cherokeeboysclub.com or in person at 171 Boys Club Loop, Cherokee, NC. 28719. Taking applications for 2026-2027 Kituwah Ways Adult Leadership Program. Participants deepen their understanding of Cherokee history and culture, while developing leadership skills. INFO: (828) 359-5542

Smoky Mountain Youth Football Jamboree. Aug. 1 at 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Ray Kinsland Stadium in Cherokee, N.C. Info: Janell Rattler (828) 736-3231 or Timmy Ray Smith 788-2793

NASA Softball Tournament. Aug. 6-8 at John Crowe Ballfields in Whittier, N.C. Info: Janell Rattler (828) 736-3231 or Timmy Ray Smith 788-2793

NAIWA Blueberry Festival. Aug. 15 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Yellowhill Activity Center in Cherokee, N.C. Featuring blueberry pancakes. Vendor space available at $10 per table. To reserve a table, call Hope Pheasant (828) 736-5453

From Darkness Into Hope. Sept. 10 from 3 p.m. – 7p.m. at the Oconaluftee Island Park US-441 N & Newfound Gap Rd S, Cherokee, NC 28719. Annual Mental health Awareness and Suicide Prevention Event. INFO: (828) 359-6180

Honoring Long Person. Sept. 25 from 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. meet at Peaches Squirrel Recreation Complex 1139 US-19, Cherokee, NC. 28719. Share a meal, learn about river heritage, then head to the different parts of the Oconaluftee to clean. INFO: facebook.com/HonoringLongPerson.

Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall. Oct. 7 – Oct. 12 at Burgess – Oocumma Veterans Memorial Cemetery 21 Longbranch Rd., Cherokee, NC. 28719. The 51^st Anniversary of the ending of the “Vietnam War”. C0-hosted by the American Legion Steve Youngdeer Post #143 and EBCI Cherokee Parks and Recreation Department.

Qualla Arts & Crafts Mutual Inc. New Membership and Biannual Meeting on Thursday, July 9 at 4:30 p.m. at the Yellowhill Activities Center 1416 Acquoni rd., Cherokee, NC. 28719.  for a catered meal.  Voting will be held for new membership from June demonstrations.  Please RSVP by June 30 to reserve your meal by calling or come by the shop (828)497-3103.

Sequoyah Remembrance Day. Aug. 3 from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. at Sequoyah Birthplace Museum at 576 HWY 360 Vonore, Tenn. 37885. Come by and learn about the amazing history of Sequoyah at the museum dedicated to the life and story of Sequoyah, creator of the Cherokee written language. Info: (423) 884-6246

Cornhusk Doll Workshop. Aug. 7 from 3 p.m. – 5p.m. at Red Clay State Historic Park. 1140 Red Clay Park Rd SW, Cleveland, TN 37311. Learn to craft traditional cornhusk dolls. Taught by EBCI Member Laura Walkingstick. INFO: (828) 707-6122 or email Rezdogartstudio@gmail.com

35th Annual Cherokee Festival. Sept. 12 and 13 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Sequoyah Birthplace Museum at 576 HWY 360 Vonore, Tenn. 37885. Cherokee Arts and crafts demonstrations, Cherokee storytelling, flute playing, Cherokee dances, name written in Cherokee, genealogy help, craft vendors and food vendors. Info: (423) 884-6246

NAIWA (North American Indian Women’s Association, Inc.) Cherokee Chapter meets the second Thursday of each month at 4:30 p.m. at the West Senior Center in Cherokee, N.C. Eligibility for membership: any American Indian or Alaska Native or Canadian First Nations woman, 18 years of age or older, who is officially identified as a member of a federally recognized Indian Tribe/Nation. The meetings contain information on purpose and further aims. All who meet the eligibility are invited to attend.

Qualla Boundary Historical Society. meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the Yellowhill Community Building 918 Acquoni Rd. Cherokee, NC. 28719. Eeryone is welcome to attend the meetings, can join and be a member. The Society is organized to promote, preserve, and educate members of the
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), residents of the Qualla Boundary, and others so interested in Cherokee culture, history, arts and crafts, and genealogy/family histories. Follow on Facebook: Qualla Boundary Historical Society. 

(All meetings are held in the Cherokee Tribal Council House in Cherokee, N.C. unless otherwise noted.)

Health Board. July 15 at 8:30 a.m.

Roads Commission. July 20 at 9 a.m.

Timber Committee. July 20 at 10:30 a.m.

Planning Board. July 20 at 1 p.m.

Lands Committee. July 23 at 9 a.m.

Minor’s Fund Work Session. July 30 at 9 a.m.

Concerts and Shows

Grand Funk Railroad on its “Still Shinin’ On Tour”. Aug. 1 at 7:30 p.m. at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort Event Center in Cherokee, N.C. For tickets, visit: Grand Funk Railroad: Still Shinin’ On Tour Tickets Aug 01, 2026 Cherokee, NC | Ticketmaster

Gary Allan. Aug 7 at 9 p.m. at Harrah’s Cherokee Resort Event Center in Cherokee, N.C. For tickets, visit: Gary Allan Tickets Aug 07, 2026 Cherokee, NC | Ticketmaster

Gabriel Fluffy Iglesias Live. Aug. 14 at 9 p.m. at Harrah’s Cherokee Resort Event Center in Cherokee, N.C. For tickets, visit: Gabriel Fluffy Iglesias Live Tickets Aug 14, 2026 Cherokee, NC | Ticketmaster

Travis Tritt. Sept. 19 at 7:30 p.m. at Harrah’s Cherokee Resort Event Center in Cherokee, N.C. For tickets, visit: Travis Tritt Tickets Sep 19, 2026 Cherokee, NC | Ticketmaster

Mike Epps. Oct. 2 at 9 p.m. at Harrah’s Cherokee Resort Event Center in Cherokee, N.C. For tickets, visit: Mike Epps Tickets Oct 02, 2026 Cherokee, NC | Ticketmaster

Promotions and Other Events

National Pow Wow XIX. July 9-12 at Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds and Conference Complex in Danville, Ind. MC: Chris Bryant. Head Southern Singer: Scott George. Host Northern Drums: Scuffletown Society, Mackenzie River. Info: www.nationalpowwow.com

Sac and Fox Nation 61^st Annual Pow Wow. July 9-12 at Jim Thorpe Memorial Park in Stroud, Okla. Emcees: RG Harris, Adrian Pushetonequa. Head Singer: Sidney Toppah Sr. Host Northern Drum: Smokeytown. Info: Mason Williamson (918) 306-2101

Tinta Wita (Prairie Island) Wacipi. July 10-12 in Welch, Minn. Emcees: Vince Beyl, Whitney Rencountre. Host Drum: Toka Nuwan. Info: www.prairieisland.org

Susanville Indian Rancheria 17^th Annual Pow Wow. July 10-12 at Lassen County Fairgrounds in Susanville, Calif. MC: Fred Hill. Host Drum: Iron Bear. Info: Amelia Luna (530) 310-2623, powwow@slr-nsn.gov

Mandaree Celebration. July 16-19 in Mandaree, N.D. Emcees: Charlie Moran, Lawrence Baker, Jackson Rolling Thunder Tahuka. Host Drums: Mandaree, Ridge Road, Clark’s Creek, White Lodge. Info: No contact information provided

37^th Annual Indian Days Pow Wow. July 17-19 at the Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center in Seattle, Wash. Emcees: Dave Madera, Grant Timentwa. Host Drum: Eagle Spirit. Info: No contact information provided

73^rd Annual Comanche Homecoming Pow Celebration. July 17-19 at Sultan Park in Walters, Okla. Emcees: Martin Flores, Kevin Sovo Jr. Head Afternoon Singer: Timothy Mononessy. Head Evening Singer: Joel Motah. Info: Nolan Tahdooahnippah (580) 919-0868, Travis Codynah (580) 647-1561, Tanya Codynah (580) 585-1353

80^th Annual Dakota Oyate Wacipi. July 17-19 in Griswold, Manitoba, Canada. Emcees: Redwing Thomas, Clifton Goodwill. Host Drums: Dakota Hotain, Dakota Travels, Riverside Dakota, Wild Sioux. Invited Drums: Mato Pejuta, Bad Nation, Otter Trail, Wooden Fence, Bad War Cloud, Poundmaker, Six Shooter, Showtime, Bad Company, Bullhorn. Info: www.svdngovernance.com/dakota-oyate-annual-wacipi

Kanai Pow Wow & Celebration. July 17-19 at Red Crow Park in Standoff, Alberta, Canada. Emcees: Howie Thomson, Donnie Speidel, Tony Delaney. Info: No contact information provided

Marvin Joe Curry Seneca Veterans Pow Wow. July 17-19 at the Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino Event Center in Salamanca, New York. Emcees: Meeg Snake, Jason Whitehouse. Info: No contact information provided

5^th Annual Big River First Nation Pow Wow. July 21-23 at the Big River First Nation Pow Wow Grounds in Saskatchewan, Canada. Emcees: Ruben Little Head, Cornell Tootoosis. Host Drum: Whitetail Boyz. Co-Host Drum: Northern Cree. Info: Curtis Bear (306) 468-7203, Wally Morin Jr. (639) 470-3329

Kawacatoose First Nation Pow Wow. July 21-23 at the Kawacatoose First Nation Pow Wow Grounds in Raymore, Saskatchewan, Canada. Emcees: Jackson Tahuka, Sanford Strongarm. Host Drum: Stoney Park. Info: (306) 835-2125, kfnpowwow@gmail.com

Oklahoma City Pow Wow Club 76^th Annual Indian Hills Pow Wow. July 22-26 at the Indian Hills Pow Wow Grounds in Oklahoma City, Okla. Emcees: Alan Fletcher, Mike Burgess. Head Singer: Sonny Toppah. Info: No contact information provided

Tsuut’ina Nation Annual Celebrations Pow Wow. July 23-26 at Redwood Meadows Fairgrounds in Redwood Meadows, Alberta, Canada. Tuut’ina MC: Hal Eagletail. Visiting MC: Jackson Rolling Thunder. Host Drum: Wild Rose. Info: Marcie Two Guns at Marcie.meguinis@tsuutina.com

46^th Annual Keweenah Bay Indian Community Maawanji’iding Pow Wow. July 24-26 at Ojibwa Campgrounds in Baraga, Mich. Emcees: Joel Syrette, John Teller Jr. Host Drum: Summer Cloud. Invited Drums: Raining Thunder, Young Kingbird. Info: Info: Chrstine Awonohopay (906) 201-2297

57^th Annual Thunderchild First Nation Pow Wow. July 24-26 in Turtleford, Saskatchewan, Canada. Emcees: Juaquin Hamilton-Youngbird, Bart Powaukee, Elmer Rattlesnake, Winston Bear. Host Drum: Cozad. Honorary Host Drums: High Noon, Young Thunder, Big Bear. Invited Drums: Ho-Chunk Station, Blackstone, Wild Horse, Black Otter, Mato Pejuta, Bear Creek, Poundmaker, Cree Confederation, Hay Creek, Iron Swing. Info: Roderick Wapass (306) 392-0041

Ely Shoshone Pow Wow. July 24-26 in Ely, Nev. MC: Harold Begaye. Host Drum: Red Hoop. Invited Drum: Iron Colt. Info: Maria Stanton (775) 388-3816

Fort Totten Days Wacipi and Celebration. July 24-26 at Andrew Shaw Sr. Arena in Fort Totten, N.D. Emcees: Dr. Leander “Russ” McDonald, Harold Blacksmith. Info: (701) 766-4486, akicita@spiritlakevjw.com

Gii-Ishkonigewag Pow Wow. July 24-26 in McGregor, Minn. Emcees: Terry Fiddler, Reuben Crowfeather Jr. Host Drum: Red Willow. Invited Drums: Black Lodge, Fort Peck Sioux, Smokeytown. Info: Taria Aubid (320) 630-5086, taria.aubid@millelacsband.com

Saginaw Chippewa 42^nd Annual Pow Wow. July 24-26 at The Hill Campground in Mt. Pleasant, Mich. Emcees: Keveon Kingbird, Anthony Monoessy. Host Drum: Under the Pines. Info: (989) 775-5643, PowwowCommittee@sagchip.org, www.sagchip.org/powwow

74th Annual Tulsa Pow Wow. July 25-26 at Arvest Convention Center in Tulsa, Okla. Emcees: Warren Queton, Marshal Williamson. Head Singer: George Valliere. Info: (918) 724-0762, tpwvendinfo@gmail.com

Wiconi 20^th Annual Living Waters Pow Wow. July 25 at Aldersgate Conference Center & Campground in Turner, Ore. MC: Bob Tom. Host Drum: Four Directions. Info: Gary Eastty (360) 903-9570, magwiconi03@gmail.com

Alcoholics Anonymous meets every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Analenisgi. Info: www.AAwnc80.com

Celebrate Recovery meets every Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the Cherokee Baptist Church at 812 Tsalagi Road, in Cherokee, N.C. This is a Christ-centered recovery program for anyone struggling with hurt, hang-ups, and habits of any kind. All are welcome. Info: Chris McMillan (828) 788-5410

Cherokee Cancer Support Group, potluck dinner with a speaker the first Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at Betty’s Place, 40 Goose Creek Rd, Cherokee, N.C. Anyone is welcome to attend the potluck. The group provides educational and emotional support to clients and families of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians members with cancer. The group can provide financial assistance for fuel, lodging, and transportation and also can assist with mastectomy items, nutritional supplements, wigs, and related products. The group can volunteer to take a client to their appointment if it is requested in a timely manner. Betty’s Place is open Monday through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Info: (828) 497-0788

Life@WesternCarolina. each Wednesday morning during the academic school year the Life@ group meets on the campus of Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, N.C.  For those over the age of 50 and looking for ways to engage with the community. To learn more or register visit life.wcu.edu or contact Western Carolina University Educational Outreach (828) 227-7397.

MARA (Medication-Assisted Recovery Anonymous) meets Thursdays at 5 p.m. in the Rivercane Room at Analenisgi. Info: Analenisgi (828) 497-9163 or visit: https://cherokeehospital.org/locations/analenisgi

Narcotics Anonymous meets on Mondays at 6 p.m. at the Cherokee Indian Hospital. Info: North Carolina NA Helpline (855) 227-6272, or www.NA.org

Pet Food Giveaway. July 15 starting at 10 a.m. at the Cherokee Animal Care Clinic 1100 US HWY 441N, Whittier, NC. 28789.

Smoky Mountain Summer Fest 2026. July 25 from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. at the Sevierville Fairgrounds, 754 Old Knoxville Hwy. Sevierville, TN. 37862. Classic car shows, food trucks, live music, vendors. Free public admission. INFO: (865) 388-0099

2026 Trade Fair. Aug. 21 – 22 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the McMinn County Living Heritage Museum, 522 W Madison Ave., Athens., TN. 37303. Crafts, music, history, food, textiles, quilting and more. INFO: (423) 745-0329.

Pistol Creek, Catch of the Day. Oct. 10 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Sam Houston Schoolhouse 3663 Old Sam Houston School Rd, Maryville, TN. 37804. Bring a lawn chair. INFO: (865) 983-1550.